The FCC is going to allow the Hollywood movie folks to control your set top box in what it cites as being a move to prevent piracy. Here is how it is going to work. The movie people want to add additional revenue to their coffers by showing their movies on satellite and cable TV, before the movie is released to DVD. This would position the viewing of the movie between the time it is shown in theaters until the time it makes its way to DVD.
So the FCC is going to grant access to the digital output of set top boxes to limit or to prevent copying by the viewer. A recent article stated:
The order concerns an anti-piracy technique known as “selectable output control.” For a movie made available before its release on disc, a studio will be able to instruct pay-TV operators to turn off the analog connectors on viewers’ set-top boxes, transmitting the movie only through encrypted digital outputs. Analog connectors have rudimentary anti-piracy controls at best; encrypted digital outputs, such as HDMI with DTCP, can be programmed to bar or limit copying.
A 2004 FCC rule had forbidden pay-TV operators from using selectable output control, largely out of concern for the millions of early digital-TV buyers whose sets don’t have encrypted inputs. But the commission had also said the prohibition could be waived for a new Hollywood business model.
As for the harm to consumers, it’s hard to see how anyone is hurt when programs are made available in additional ways in a format that only some people can access. That kind of thing happens any time a new technology is introduced — witness HDTV and Blu-ray discs, for example. And the FCC smartly barred studios from turning off analog outputs for more than 90 days on any given title, to avoid the possibility of consumers who rely on older TVs and conventional DVD players from being cut off completely.
Though some may disagree with my assessment, I personally believe that allowing access to any set top box could one day allow Hollywood to control or limit even access to legitimate devices in legitimate ways. Allowing Hollywood and the record industry too much control over our lives is not going to be beneficial to the consumer.
Comments welcome.
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FCC will be administrating the Net Neutrality law when it passes. Does that give you a warm fuzzy feeling?
Hi Dick,
Will that be with or without Vaseline? LOL
There’s a lot to be said for open source…..
Seems as though someone is always trying to control me Ron. Chics, insurance and pharmaceutical companies, subliminal advertising, and last but not least, the government. I don’t need anyone else ‘attempting’ to. We all need to hang on to our few remaining freedoms. This whole scheme of seeing a movie after it’s theatre run, but BEFORE it’s released on disc, reminds me of those rapid refund scams the tax man uses to prey on the simple minded. Which, in either case, begs the question – What’s the hurry man?? I certainly believe I can wait a few extra weeks/months to view the latest films. Does anyone actuall y rush to the video store the first day a movie is released? Doubtful.
Hello Buffet,
It is annoying my friend.
Hi Ron,
I have a saying that applies to Government in our lives.
“The squeaky wheel gets the Vaseline”
If it’s not one thing it’s another with the Hollywood types. Music and movie industries try everything but they always fail within days. I have to say this is just another way to try and control media. It’s the same for everything right back to the printing press, someone is always worries that someone will get away with a free ride. They haven’t learned in hundreds of years that open media is the best model.
Those who want to steal will, those who don’t won’t. It’s like a padlock, all you do is hinder the honest.